POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 will plan and carry out basic and preclinical research that endeavors to further delineate virus and host mechanisms that could be exploited to purge persistent reservoirs of HIV in people with HIV (PWH) on lifelong antiretroviral therapy. The research assistant will perform viral reactivation experiments in an ex vivo primary cell model of HIV latency as well as using T cells isolated from PWH. These experiments will largely entail utilization of immunofluorescence flow cytometry, high resolution microscopic imaging and RT-qPCR assays. The research assistant will also support students in their assigned research projects by providing isolated primary cell samples and guidance through the utilization of conventional laboratory techniques.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans such as performing experiments using molecular biology technologies, viral and bacterial cultivation and basic bioinformatics. (10%)
2. Assist in the routine preparation of latently infected primary CD4+ T cells carrying non-infectious HIV and further improvement of this procedure. May assist in developing improved techniques or procedures. (15%)
3. PBMC isolation from peripheral blood samples, CD4+ T cell isolation and culture. (10%)
4. Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project, including performing highly reproducible RT-qPCR analysis of PWH samples with detailed record keeping. (15%)
5. Perform immunofluorescence flow cytometry and microscopy. (10%)
6. Collect and analyze data. Prepare figures following data collection and analysis while assisting in writing related to experiments performed. (10%)
7. Participate in lab meetings and read applicable literature. (10%)
8. Oversee inventory and maintain lab supplies (ordering, stocking, preparing solutions/media). Maintain general lab environment, including, but not limited to, equipment maintenance and scheduling repairs, organization and cleanliness of the lab. Maintain and ensure compliance with biosafety and laboratory regulations. (15%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Train new staff; direct the work of students. Support students in their assigned research projects through training and provision of isolated primary cell samples. (5%)
2. Perform other duties as assigned such as liaising with Sales Representatives and Field Application Scientists to learn about new lab products and services. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow.

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information.

External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information.

Students: Regular contact with student employees to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. Train new staff; direct the work of students.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or a related field and 1 to 3 years of experience, or an Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 2 to 4 years of experience required. Master's degree preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, laboratory equipment, practices and procedures within the field of molecular biology and microbiology.
2. Experience in molecular biology techniques, excellent aseptic technique and general skills common to a microbiology lab are a must.
3. Strong documentation and organization skills with the ability to keep accurate records of all work performed.
4. Good analytical, statistical and presentation skills.
5. Proficient computer skills, particularly in the use of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and graphing software such as Origin or Prism.
6. Ability to meet consistent attendance in person.
7. Ability to interact with colleagues and the supervisor face to face.
8. Demonstrated willingness to learn new techniques with instruction.
9. Willingness to work in a biosafety level 2+ setting.
10. Relies on instruction and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job,
11. Ability to operate laboratory equipment such as thermocylers, flow cytometer, UV/vis spectrophotometers, pH meter and autoclave.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. May have exposure to chemical and biological hazards. Some of the work involving the handling and culture of cells obtained from virally suppressed PWH will be carried out in a biosafety level 2+ setting. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards.

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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